British defense company Edgewing has inaugurated an engineering facility in Turin, Italy, marking a major milestone in support of the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet for Italy, Japan, and the UK by 2035.
The center will host teams from all three partner countries, integrating local Italian aerospace expertise with international development.
At full capacity, the site is expected to employ about 1,000 experts, supported by thousands more across the domestic supply chain and collaborating firms.
Reading-based Edgewing, a joint venture equally owned by Leonardo, BAE Systems, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co., serves as prime contractor and lead design authority for GCAP.
“GCAP represents the next generation of technology, and this new site represents an opportunity for many to join Edgewing and work on some of the world’s most advanced digitally-driven engineering,” Edgewing Italy General Manager Giuseppe Lupoli stated.
“I look forward to welcoming colleagues from across our three partner nations to Turin as we embark on this journey together.”
Pushing ‘Technological Sovereignty’
The ceremony follows a 4.6-billion-pound ($6 billion) contract received by Edgewing to complete the advanced concept and assessment phase for the GCAP’s airframe.
The company said that additional engineering hubs are scheduled to open in the UK and Japan in the coming months as the multinational effort progresses.
The nations expect the new platform to be finalized by 2035.
“GCAP is one of the most challenging and futuristic programmes in the aerospace, defence and security sector, ensuring technological sovereignty for generations to come,” said Lorenzo Mariani, CEO and general manager of Leonardo.
“GCAP will drive the technological development and long-term growth of the economies of the countries involved, creating highly skilled jobs and supporting production ecosystems.”
